Oswal family fights unjust detention of Vasundhara in Uganda
Family releases call recording amid Vasundhara Oswal's unlawful detention in Uganda
The Oswal family, a prominent billionaire lineage, has made public an audio recording of the final call made by Vasundhara Oswal while she was detained in Uganda. Vasundhara, the eldest daughter of Indian-origin Swiss billionaire Pankaj Oswal, has been held for over 20 days under murder charges. Her family insists her detention is unlawful, citing that the purported victim, an ex-employee, is alive in Tanzania.
On Instagram, her sister, Ridi Oswal, shared a post claiming Vasundhara’s imprisonment in Uganda is unjust. Vasundhara is kept in a prison typically reserved for serious offenders like murderers, despite no evidence or valid reasons for her detention. Ridi also released an audio clip of Vasundhara’s last call before her phone was confiscated. In the recording, Vasundhara is heard tearfully saying, “They’re taking my phone,” while another voice protests, insisting, “She’s talking to her family, you cannot deny that. They cannot take your phone.” Ridi mentioned this audio was recorded 90 hours into Vasundhara’s detention.
Ridi’s earlier Instagram posts detailed how Ugandan authorities seized Vasundhara’s phone, triggering an anxiety attack. She described the conditions of detention as appalling and claimed that Vasundhara was not allowed to contact her family or legal representatives.
Disturbing audio: Swiss billionaire's daughter Vasundhara Oswal detained in Uganda, cries for help pic.twitter.com/sAqxZ1FoP9
— BreezyScroll (@BreezyScroll) October 21, 2024
Vasundhara, aged 26, is the daughter of Swiss industrialist Pankaj Oswal and Radhika Oswal. Pankaj is the son of Abhay Kumar Oswal, founder of Oswal Agro Mills and Oswal Greentech. The Oswal Group operates in various sectors, including petrochemicals, real estate, fertilisers, and mining.
Vasundhara was detained on 1 October during a visit to a family business site in Uganda, where the Group is investing $100 million to establish East Africa’s first grain-based Extra-Neutral Alcohol (ENA) production facility. Her arrest occurred without formal charges.
Pankaj Oswal, in an open letter to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, explained that the charges against Vasundhara are related to a former employee who borrowed $200,000 from the family. This ex-employee accused Vasundhara of kidnapping with intent to kill. However, the Oswal family claims these charges are fabricated to avoid repaying the loan.
Ridi Oswal highlighted on Instagram that the alleged victim, supposedly kidnapped and murdered, was found in Tanzania under state custody. His possession of a passport at the time of capture indicates he was neither kidnapped nor murdered.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Economic Times reports on Vasundhara Oswal, a 26-year-old daughter of Indian-origin billionaire Pankaj Oswal, detained in Uganda in dire conditions, allegedly due to false accusations.(read more)
- New Indian Express outlines Vasundhara Oswal’s detention in Uganda, emphasizing false accusations, poor conditions, and family’s appeal to the UN over her alleged unlawful detention by Ugandan authorities.(read more)
- Fortune India article unpacks Vasundhara Oswal’s detention in Uganda, highlighting corporate and political manipulation, harsh detention conditions, and Pankaj Oswal’s urgent UN appeal for her release.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Vasundhara Oswal detained in Uganda?
She was detained under murder charges related to a former employee, which her family claims are fabricated.
What did Vasundhara Oswal’s final call before her phone was confiscated reveal?
In the call, Vasundhara tearfully said, “They’re taking my phone,” while another voice protested the action.
What is the Oswal family’s stance on Vasundhara’s detention?
The Oswal family insists her detention is unlawful and claims the alleged victim is alive in Tanzania.
What business was Vasundhara Oswal involved in during her visit to Uganda?
She was visiting a family business site for a $100 million investment in East Africa’s first grain-based ENA production facility.
What evidence does the Oswal family present to counter the murder charges?
They claim the alleged victim, supposedly kidnapped and murdered, was found alive in Tanzania with a passport.
